Large cuboid shaped object inkjet printing

Abstract

A method of UV curable inkjet printing on a cuboid shaped object includes the steps of bringing and holding at least part of an inkjet printing device in physical contact with the cuboid shaped object, and jetting and UV curing an image of one or more UV curable inks on at least one vertical panel of the cuboid shaped object, wherein the cuboid shaped object is selected from intermodal freight containers, crates, trucks, trailers, semi-trailers and boxcars.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a 371 National Stage Application of PCT / EP2014 / 068071, filed Aug. 26, 2014. This application claims the benefit of European Application No. 13184027.4, filed Sep. 12, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to inkjet printing on large cuboid shaped objects such as intermodal freight containers, trucks and railway cars.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Intermodal containerized traffic has surged since the 1990s to ship products on international and national markets, particularly for non bulk commodities. “Intermodal” means that the container can be moved from one mode of transport to another, e.g. from ship to rail to truck, without unloading and reloading the contents of the container.[0006]The manufacturing of intermodal freight containers is well-known. Generally, the containers are made of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a printing method using UV curable ink and UV curing to make intermodal freight containers. This method simplifies the workflow and makes it more economical. Additionally, the inkjet printing allows for variable data and images to be printed on each container, which can generate extra income for container manufacturers. The computer control of the alphanumeric data also reduces errors in the container identification codes.

Problems solved by technology

This painting process is very time-consuming, especially if multiple colours are required, and leads also often to errors in applying the masks, causing expensive re-painting and additional loss of time.

However, due to corrugated panels used in container for increasing the strength of a container, the films were often applied askew.

In addition, it was observed that after time that some of the adhesive markings disappeared from the container panels due to weathering conditions, conditions of transport (including the exposure to sea-water and traffic emissions) and vandalism.

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